 1858 Gem Brilliant Proof and enjoying a significant degree of Cameo contrast. Certainly at the upper end of the condition range, as this is a decidedly elusive Proof-only issue, the only such issue in the Seated dollar series. Breen notes that the Chapman brothers reported that 80 were struck, although this number has been discredited by the overwhelming evidence that roughly triple that number exist! In fact, it would appear that 200-300 are known today, a number which has been thoroughly studied and analyzed based on auction appearances.
The contrived rarity of this issue has no doubt been useful to numismatic purveyors selling examples virtually since the time of their striking. Today, the availability of auction records, pedigree tracing and advanced tracking studies has exposed such inaccuracies and collectors have a far greater opportunity to make rational and informed decisions than ever before. This particular coin shows attractive sunset-gold peripheral toning on the obverse and reverse, with the centers bright white. There are no surface problems or contact marks to distract the eye. A regal example of this coveted date, and one worthy of any collection.
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